Youmen Point (KI-21 / Mysterious Gate)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Youmen (KI-21 / Mysterious Gate). Learn its benefits for abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion, and diarrhea – the meeting point of Kidney and Chong – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, dysentery, epigastric distension with pain, and hiccups.
Precise Location
In the upper abdomen, 6 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. Measure 8 finger-widths (approximately 6 cun) upward from the umbilicus – the point is 0.5 cun (about half a finger-width) lateral to the midline, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Youmen with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat epigastric distension with pain and vomiting. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, regulates qi and descends rebellious qi, and regulates the middle and stops diarrhea.
Compatibility
Stomach pain and vomiting: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Jianli (RN-11). Indigestion: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36) and Pishu (BL-20). Diarrhea and dysentery: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Shangjuxu (ST-37). Hiccups: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Geshu (BL-17).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and is the meeting point of the Kidney Meridian and the Chong Vessel. It strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, regulates qi and descends rebellious qi, and regulates the middle and stops diarrhea. It is a commonly used key point for treating digestive system disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "You" means deep or mysterious; "Men" means gate. Located in the upper abdomen, this point is where Kidney Meridian qi enters deeply into the abdomen, as if passing through a mysterious gate – hence the name Youmen (Mysterious Gate).
